George Uko, 39

George Uko
The job: Credit supervisor

The employer: Bayer Animal Health, which specializes in the production and development of veterinary medicines and is based in Shawnee, is a part of the global company Bayer Healthcare LLC.

My role: I oversee the credit extension and collection of accounts receivables, with our main goal being to maximize sales with minimum risk to the company. This includes working closely with the credit director to oversee all phases of the credit management process, including monitoring accounts, reviewing orders, supporting collections, promoting customer service to internal and external customers, and providing instruction, training and assistance.

How long have you been in this position?

Since April.

How did you find your job?

Through market research, I determined Bayer was a strong company with a strong presence in the Kansas City area. In a review of the company’s Web site, I found there was an opening for someone with my skills and experience. The company also came highly recommended by a fellow job club member at Johnson County Community College. I applied and forwarded my resume to human resources. My first face-to-face interview was with a hiring manager. I also had a phone interview with a human resources representative at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Pittsburgh. Two weeks later, I met with the director of credit in Shawnee. I was offered the job at the end of this four- or five-week process.

What helped the most in the job search?

In addition to my market research of companies and institutions, I attended meetings with the Johnson County Community College job club and focused on networking. I had to focus on following leads and gaining as much information about Bayer as possible. JCCC gets five stars as to providing insights, networking and information on openings and managing the job placement process.

What is your best advice for others in the job search?

Take your time to find the right job. Do some soul-searching and try to focus on your strengths and passions. Some of the key items I look for when researching a company: culture, average tenure of associates, management, overall performance, mission statement and growth of the company within its business sector.

What is your educational and work experience?

I have a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix (2005). My bachelor’s degree in communications is from Arizona State University in Tempe (1994). I have been in the credit card banking industry for 22 years, with emphasis in customer service, collections, credit and fraud. I’m taking additional credit classes with the National Association of Credit Management.

| Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star